Carma East (New York, NY)

Rice & Gold (Chinatown, NY)

It's not very often that I get scooped on a dumpling place, however, these are no ordinary dumplings. These are pho filled dumplings, which is part of the reason that I wasn't in on the hot fire in the streets that these were causing. So when, Izzy's sister came to town and told me about them, we had to go. 

Now Rice & Gold is a little more upscale, all the food there is phenomenal, lobster fried rice is bomb, fyi. But the pho filled dumplings, aka phumplings are all time. These soup inspired dumplings are filled with a pho broth that would be awesome on its own. Package that broth up in a dumpling and top a little thai chili on top and damn you have a winning combination.

Go to Rose & Gold get these dumplings. You need to get them. Whether you are a fan of soup dumplings or not, these are must try.

a perfect 

5 out of 5

Eric 

Dumpling Man (East Village, NY)

Some would argue that a slice of pizza is the ultimate drunk food, and those people are so wrong it's not even funny. Dumplings were made to be eaten in those late night hours when you want some sustenance to get you back up and running or before you go to bed.

Dumpling Man, well let me just say, these dumplings are great drunk food, but even better sober food. A bunch of options to choose from and then double it with the option of fried or steamed and you have a dumpling lovers dream. Pork fried and soup dumplings were the order of the night. I was completely surprised at the quantity and size. These mama jamas were packed and huge.

Starting with the XLB's. The soup inside was perfectly flavorful, the dough was not to thick, leaving me very satisfied. The real test though is the pork fried and they were legit. I mean look at that lacing in the picture, a crisp so fine it looks like a doily in my grandma's house. The filling was awesome, drunk or sober. Dumpling Man, go there, seriously, you wont be let down.

soup dumplings 4.2 out of 5
pork fried          4.9 out of 5

Eric

Nom Wah Tu Rick and Morty extravaganza

Nom Wah is my spot, the OG location on Doyer, however, there is another loco, on orchard called Nom Wah Tu, and there they were having a Rick and Morty themed night including none other than chicken nuggets and Szechuan sauce.

In addition to getting those nuggets and sauce, I had to get some 'lings because how could I not. So, I ordered some friend chicken dumplings. These little suckers, were jam packed, and fried perfectly. They were served with a side of house made ranch, that went perfectly with the tasty morsels. Although these dumplings diverged form my usual order, they were extremely tasty. I'd also recommend you order the scallion pancakes, because the sauce you get with those, Sheeeesh, awesome.

A great night with food I knew would be great, in a much more night timey vibe then the original Nom Wah. Want to impress a date, bring them to Nom Wah Tu, unless she/he is a dim sum addicit than it's the OG.

4.5 out of 5

Eric

Destination Dumpling (Smorg Square, SoHo, NY)

Huge food truck/ tent person. Love em. Destination Dumpling was a place I needed to get to for the longest time, and honestly treking to Brooklyn on a weekend morning to go to Smorgusburg, was not happening, I value my sleep way to much.

But when Smorg Square popped up over the summer, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Obviously, you know the drill, Pork Fried Dumplings, up in here.

I will have to say, Destination Dumpling did not disappoint at all. These dumplings were light, the crisp was there, and that only pointed to a quality 'ling. The insides were flavorful, and packed quite full. The only hang up, four 'lings. I need at least six, to satiate my ever powerful need for dumplings.

4.8 out of 5

Keep on doing you Destination Dumpling.

Eric

Beyond Sushi (FiDi, NY)

Now if you know me, you know I frequent City Acres Market on Pearl St pretty much daily. Inside, in addition to the regular grocery store fare, they have several food vendors. One being another Vanessa's, and while you may think that is where I went to get dumplings this time you'd be wrong.

These dumplings are from directly across from BeyondSushi. There they have all sorts of vegan sushi rolls, and these jack fruit dumplings. I know a departure from the classic pork, but where there is a dumpling, it has to be eaten.

Unfortunately, jackfruit doesn't hold a candle to real meat, and these dumplings just didn't inspire. I've had plenty of actual vegetarian dumplings with far better flavor. No need to imitate the GOAT (pork) if you can't hang, forge your own lane. I'll eat those vegan sushi rolls every damn day, but these dumplings are a hard pass from me.

1.9 out of 5

Eric

Mimi Cheng's July Special

Mimi Cheng's is at it again with a burger dumpling collab. Now everyone knows burgers and dumplings are a literal match made in heaven. They are soul mates. No two foods are meant for each other more;  they even blow away the all star combo that is peanut butter and jelly, and the July special at Mimi's just goes to show that.

These 'lings, feature some dry-aged beef, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, pretzel bits, with a side of Emmy sauce, garnished with a little pepper flake, wam bam thank you maam. These dumplings are amazing. The filling is super juicy, in fact so juicy it squirted out and got on my pants, so maybe next time, try not to be so succulent. The filling is spot on, the crisp as always there, and the Emmy sauce is the perfect addition. A little heat brought to the table, I see you. These dumplings are up there with special dumpling hall of fame.

Stop in and get...seriously.

4.9 out of 5

Eric 

But Eric why didn't they deserve a 5 out of 5. I told you stain my pants with some grease is something I can't reward, and for that reason, I'm deducting a point, because I'm over here holding a Tide stick, asking myself are these pants really worth it. Yes, yes they are.